WASHINGTON — Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet compared the federal budget to an Applebee’s dinner tab tonight on the Senate floor, begging both sides to figure it out so the government does not shut down.

“If you and I went to Applebees tonight and we had their $20 dinner for two, we’d be fighting over four cents,” he said, using a $7 billion as the monetary difference between Republicans and Democrats in the budget to fund the federal government through Sept. 30.

“That’s what would separate us. I can’t for the life of me, on those terms, understand why anyone would threaten a government shutdown.”

Bennet also compared the difference to the $14 million budget for the city of Alamosa, saying that if they were arguing about the same difference, they would be apart $27,000.

WASHINGTON — Rep. Diana DeGette said at a Planned Parenthood rally today that she was in a “fighting mood … We’ve got a fight on our hands in case you haven’t noticed.”

DeGette took the House GOP to task on the so-called policy riders holding up the budget negotiations to fund the federal government through Sept. 30. She said Republicans care more about dismanting women’s health care than the unemployment rate.

House Speaker John Boehner said earlier today that he continues talks with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and that the two are still apart on policies, but he noted they were going to keep talking.

The federal governement runs out of money in this fiscal year tomorrow.

Rep. Lola Spradley, R-Beulah, takes the oath of office in 2003, the year she became the first female speaker of the House in Colorado history. (Cyrus McCrimmon/The Denver Post)

Lola Spradley and Peggy Kerns will be among the former lawmakers attending next week’s Women’s Caucus Reunion.

Spradley, a Beulah Republican who served as the first woman speaker of the House, and Kerns, an Aurora Democrat who served as the House minority leader, will be the guest speakers for the event for current and former lawmakers.

The reunion will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Carriage House at the Governor’s Mansion.

WASHINGTON — Four military chiefs said today the implementation and training of the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was going better than expected and certification could be finished by the end of the summer.

Admiral Gary Roughead, chief of Naval Operations, said he believes there will be more talented “great young sailors serving who wouldn’t be able to serve” before because they were gay. General James Amos, U.S. Marine Corps Commandant, told the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Service Committee that there has been “no recalcitrant” push back.

“I’m looking for specifically for issues coming out of the Tier II and Tier III training and to be honest with you, Chairman, we’ve not seen it,” Amos said.

Rep. Mike Coffman, an Arapahoe County Republican and Marine who served in Iraq, doesn’t believe the vast majority of military jobs would be negatively affected by the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

The House today gave an initial OK to a bill requiring the secretary of state to compare database information to determine the citizenship status of registered voters.

Democrats argued House Bill 1252 wasn’t necessary because Secretary of State Gessler already has the tools to check citizenship status, tools he used to prepare a voter registration report lauded by fellow Republicans.

And consider the bill backers: NFIB and AFL-CIO. Yes, small business and the labor unions. It is also is sponsored by the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute (tax hikes are a good thing) and the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry (tax breaks are a good thing.)

Pabon has gotten a kick out of the unlikely alliances for the measure, which is scheduled to be heard Friday by the House Appropriations Committee.

The Centennial Republican this week honored the memory of Janet Bonnema, a Colorado woman who was instrumental in the fight for gender equality.

“Janet’s struggle was a pivotal moment in civil rights history,” said Spence, who honored Bonnema during a tribute on the Senate floor. “Without her willingness to stand up to discrimination, generations of women would never have the opportunities they do today.”

Back-room budgeting: During the week preceding Tuesday’s budget compromise between Republicans and Democrats, Joint Budget Committee members were observed disappearing into their conference room and scurrying between their offices across the street from the state Capitol, the governor’s office, his budget office and party leaders’ lairs. According to a First Amendment lawyer, the closed-door sessions could have violated Colorado’s Sunshine Law, which requires government bodies to provide 24 hours public notice and access to their meetings. The Chieftain

Cuts by district:Ed News Colorado has updated its database that examines what state cuts mean for each district on a per-pupil basis and for total program funding based on Tuesday’s budget deal.

Furlough Friday: For the 32 federal workers at the Public Documents Distribution Center in Pueblo, the budget fight between Senate Democrats and House Republicans couldn’t be more personal. They’ll be furloughed if the federal government is shut down Friday afternoon. The Chieftain

Rare-earth metals: As smartphones, electric cars and other technologies have become mainstays of the U.S. economy, Congress and the White House are increasingly focused on ensuring a steady import of an obscure set of minerals critical to tech manufacturing, with Sen. Mark Udall and Rep. Mike Coffman each sponsoring legislation to address the issue. Politico

Polis on pot: Colorado Democratic Rep. Jared Polis said Wednesday that the federal government should not be in the business of regulating marijuana use by Americans. CBS News:

Teens lobby Congress: A group of Boulder teenagers is going to Capitol Hill to save lives. Their cause: prevent eating disorders. CBS4

Solar move: In a move that could shake up the American solar industry, General Electric plans to announce on Thursday that it will build the nation’s largest photovoltaic panel factory, with the goal of becoming a major player in the market. NY Times

Ranked voting tanks: Fort Collins voters on Tuesday rejected a ballot proposal that would have had the city adopt a ranked-choice voting system in municipal elections designed to ensure that winning candidates enjoy the support of a majority of those casting ballots. The Coloradoan

Merrifield ‘done': A political newcomer defeated former state Rep. Mike Merrifield in the Colorado Springs City Council race by 338 votes.“Voters told him ‘no’ for county commissioner and they’ve told him ‘no’ now for City Council. They need someone serious for this position. I think his time is done as a politician,” winner Lisa Czelatdko said. The Gazette

Bruce done too: Former state. Rep. Doug Bruce finished 9th in the race for six at-large council seats in the Springs. The Gazette.

Barn yard battle: The city of Denver is considering a law to make it easier for residents to keep chickens, ducks, and goats in their backyards. Fox 31

Lynn Bartels thinks politics is like sports but without the big salaries and protective cups. The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog has named her one of Colorado's best political reporters and tweeters.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.